Critical Documents to request from Window Supplier

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Windows and doors must comply with several Australian Standards, and your window supplier must prove that they do. There is a real risk to architects and builders by falsified or non-existing test reports or the quoting of a different Standard. Australian Standards: AS 1288 Glass in Buildings - selection & Installation AS 2047 Windows and external glazed doors in buildings AS 4055 Wind loads for housing AS 3959 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas NCC – National Construction Code - 2019 Commercial NCC – National Construction Code - 2022 Residential Performance Tests: Under AS 2047, windows made from timber, aluminium,

TAFE Teacher on Staff

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Congratulations to Mat, Production Manager at Paarhammer, for successfully completing the course to become a TAFE teacher and Workplace Trainer and Assessor. Paarhammer are committed to apprenticeships and ongoing training of its staff. The course Mat took over the last year teaches how to plan, design, develop, teach, and create engaging learning options. It also taught him about leading group learning sessions, helping in workplace training, teaching work-related skills, assessing progress with tests and tools, and adult literacy and numeracy support. All these are important skills in training our apprentices and furthering the knowledge of other staff members. The company

Building in Bushfire Prone Areas

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

With bushfires already started early for this summer, it is important to know what to expect when building in one of the higher bushfire prone areas. And it is not necessarily ‘bush fires’ but also ‘grass fires’ that can be dangerous to homes. If you plan to build in a BAL rated area, you will require a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment. Bushfire Attack Levels – BALs There are 6 BALs that range from BAL-Low, BAL-12.5, BAL-19, BAL-29, BAL-40 to BAL-FZ. The higher your BAL, the more expensive your new build (or extensive extension) will be, and the more important

Window = Frame+Glass+Hardware

Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Windows are an important part of any building and have to comply with several Australian Standards (AS). This is the reason why windows are made as a whole system where frame, glass, and hardware, are designed as a unit to achieve the required results. If any part of such a system gets changed, it will not comply with the AS’s anymore and become a ‘deemed to satisfy’ or ‘engineered solution’. When hardware details, profile details, or any components are changed, or the overall size is made larger compared to tested sizes, the window system may no longer be compliant and

Paarhammer at THRIVE PASSIVHAUS Conference

Monday, May 20, 2024

The THRIVE PASSIVHAUS conference is on in Melbourne on the 23rd and 24th of May 2024. Experts from around the world will present on the potential of good design principles and more. Our managing director, Tony will run a training session on the first day of the conference at 11am. Under the topic of Windows and Doors within the Passivhaus Building Envelope, Tony will explore: European door and window installation approaches Essential materials for airtight installation The 4 biggest mistakes when installing windows Important documents to request from your window supplier Comparison between window construction types Comparison between window opening types Door threshold options Criticality of certification of the

Compliance: Insights and Pathways

Thursday, April 18, 2024

The integrity and compliance of building components are paramount to ensuring health, safety and sustainability in the evolving landscape of the building industry. Among these components, windows play an essential role in the structural and environmental performance of buildings. Poorly manufactured or standard windows lose more heat in winter and gain more heat in summer than any other surface in a building. This whitepaper delves into the multifaceted dimensions of window compliance within Australian standards and regulations, highlighting the economic, legal and social implications of non-conforming and non-compliant building products. It underscores the importance of rigorous independent testing and certification processes

Advantages of Australian Made Windows

Thursday, February 29, 2024

A 2023 Ray Morgan study found that 73% of Australians saying they are willing to pay more for Australian Made over imported products. What do you get for the extra money?Advantages of locally made windows and doors: Knowledgeable advice and reliable customer service right here and easily accessible Outstanding quality products Ethically made under safe working conditions and with decent wages for staff Continued development of skills Less transport reduces carbon footprint Long warranties as members of an Australian Industry AssociationEasier service options Meeting and exceeding all Australian Standards Benefits all Australians through a positive effect on the economy and job growth International products are readily available but Australian

Window Trend for 2024

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

Large expanses of glass are definitely the trend for 2024. To achieve this modern look and the connection to nature while still creating a comfortable indoor environment, the thermal performance is important with double or triple glazing and high-performance frames. Expanse of glazing Views, space, light, glass, natural, sun etc. are words that show people’s aspirations when building or renovating, and real estate sites mention the same. Large, glazed areas ensure an indoor-outdoor feel of openness and connection to the environment which boost our mood, health and wellbeing. It also let’s natural daylight in to make a room appear larger and enables

Award winning Projects featuring Paarhammer Windows

Friday, December 01, 2023

Over the years a number of architects, builders and suppliers received awards for projects that feature Paarhammer windows and doors. From new builds to renovations and additions, residential as well as commercial, see some examples here: Beach Retreat Winner of 2023 MBA Regional Building Awards, category Additions and Alterations, with the builder Davis Builders, also being awarded Young Builder of the Year and Residential Builder of the Year by Master Builders Association Regional Awards. This project is set on a steep slope at the edge of bushland with stunning views of the sea; the renovation and addition came with a fair share

NCC - Energy Efficiency & Livability

Thursday, May 18, 2023

The new National Construction Code (NCC) which came into effect on the 1st of May 2023 (start date has to be adopted by each State and Territory) includes higher energy efficiency regulations and provisions for dwellings to better meet community needs including for the elderly or those with mobility limitations. Paarhammer products meet and exceed these new regulations. Today we look at new dwelling access regulations: Clear OpeningAccess to dwellings now require entrance doors (or 1 universal access point/door) with a clear opening of a minimum of 820mm, not including the frame or door leave. Step-free access is also a must

Summer can equal Bushfire Danger

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Bushfires are a threat we have to live with in Australia and other countries around the world. Planning controls apply to many aspects of how land can be used and what has to be considered when building. A large component of building in bushfire prone areas are windows and doors and strict regulations apply.Different BAL-Levels6 levels of severity of Bushfire Attack Levels: BAL-low, BAL-12.5, BAL-19, followed by BAL-29, high BAL-40 and extremely high BAL-FZ (Flame Zone). If your planned building is in a Bushfire Prone Area, you will need a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assessment. Each BAL-level measures a buildings

National Construction Code (NCC) changes

Wednesday, October 05, 2022

The NCC 2022 has recently been released. The new edition will become effective on the 1st of May 2023 with a transitional period which may vary in each State. About the NCC: The NCC is Australia’s primary set of technical design and construction provisions for buildings. As a performance-based code, it sets the minimum required level for the safety, health, amenity, accessibility and sustainability of certain buildings.’ Changes: NCC 2022 introduces a considerable amount of change both in terms of the number and complexity of the reforms, particularly with the introduction of the new Livable housing requirements and residential energy